In response to an existing and growing need to expand dialysis services locally, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital has committed more than $1 million to create a 3,000-square-feet dialysis center in the Graystone Medical Building in Fostoria.

Plans for the new facility include additional treatment areas, private area for physician consultation and education, clinical office space, and expanded storage room, as well. In addition to creating a new home-like environment, other features include an isolation room, space and equipment to accommodate bariatric patients and space for future growth and program development.

In 2013, the FCH dialysis team, added a third shift in the department to accommodate up to six new patients. Currently, 30 local and area patients receive dialysis treatment in an area that's approximately 1,000 square feet on the second floor of the hospital.

"The new center will not only improve privacy, comfort and access for patients, but yet again, allow additional patients to receive dialysis in Fostoria by our experienced dialysis team," said Amy Preble, RN, director, dialysis and emergency services, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital. "The anticipated need for this life-saving treatment continues to grow."

Although initial plans are still being finalized, the first step will be to relocate Dr. Roy Harvey's family medicine office, currently located in the Graystone Medical Building, into renovated space at ProMedica Medical Center. Dr. James Byatt's office will also be moved to the Fourth Street site that currently houses Drs. Badik and Badik family medicine practice, as well as the future orthopedic and rehabilitation center.

The project is slated to take approximately one year to complete with a tentative completion timeline of mid-2015.

"In a time of rapid change in health care, this project demonstrates our continued efforts to improve our patients' experience while preserving access to critical resources locally," said Tom Borer, chief operating officer, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital. "We are committed to further strengthening this program as well as continuing to reinvest in the community, too."